Motherfucker, I am Both: "Amen" and "Hallelujah"... is the debut studio album by American experimental rock band Shearling, released on May 1, 2025 via Mishap Records. The album, consisting of one 62 minute long track, had been previously performed by front man Alex Kent and guitarist Sylvie Simmon's previous band Sprain, appearing on their live album The Lamb as Effigy (Live), albeit in an unfinished form. According to the band, a "sister album" to Motherfucker is currently in production.
Reception The Alternative described the album as a "song of sheer passion", elaborating on the statement by stating that "Simmons’ guitar is terrifying and claustrophobic as Kent screams so hard he’s gagging, almost vomiting, at times over drums that slam like a heartbeat. Rather than sounding constricted by fire and fury, Kent funnels this intensity into a hate letter to his home state of Idaho, so detailed that it can only come from a deep place of hostile, earnest observation." Moreover, highlighting the lyrical concepts on the record and its utilization of various symbols from Kent's home state of Idaho. Overall, they state that while the record is jarring and volatile, it retains an overwhelming beauty causing a mix of a dream and a nightmare.
Chris DeVille of Stereogum called the album "expansive in scope and substance, yet unified in its scraping, apocalyptic post-rock aesthetic." Further, stating that the album left them both fascinated and terrified.
Track listing
Personnel Credited are adapted from Bandcamp.
Shearling
Alexander Kent – vocals, engineering, production, cover art design, guitar, synthesizer, trombone, samples, hammered dulcimer, banjo, harmonium, accordion, singing saw, percussion, taishogoto, organ, glockenspiel, mellotron, mandolin, autoharp, piano, bells Sylvie Simmons – guitar, synthesizer, organ, Hi-C programming, samples Wes Nelson – bass, upright bass Andrew "Hayes" Chanover – drums
Additional personnel
Rachel Kennedy – vocals Mate Tulipan – tenor saxophone, trombone Ian Thompson – alto saxophone Jason Schimmel – engineering, mixing Shadrach Tuck – layout design Cleo Henman – mastering Scott Evans – mixing
References